Club Marconi plan new community club

Club Marconi intends to build a new $12 million community club alongside a premier sporting complex planned for Narellan.

Club Marconi intends to build a new $12 million community club alongside a premier sporting complex planned for Narellan.

New project: Club Marconi chief operating officer Tony Zappia and president Vince Foti are happy about plans for a community club in Narellan. Picture: Simon Bennett

Marconi has secured an option to purchase land on Porrende Street – next to the site of the future Narellan Sports Hub - and is undertaking a community impact survey before it applies for a club licence for the site.

“The board of directors of Club Marconi are very excited at the prospect of providing facilities and services for the community of Macarthur,” chief operating officer Tony Zappia said.

The proposed community club, planned to open in late 2017, would include an outdoor cafe, family dining areas, bars, a gaming lounge, a children’s playground, meeting rooms as well as childcare and aged care facilities.

The project is seen as a homecoming of sorts for Club Marconi’s president Vince Foti who is a St Gregory’s College old boy.

He also ran a travel agency in the region during the 1970s and his company Foti International Fireworks has provided firework spectaculars for local events for over 35 years.

“Mr Foti knows the area well as he grew up in the Macarthur region and understands the community needs of the region,” Mr Zappia said.

“The club has identified that many of its members have relocated to the Macarthur region over the past 10 years and has recognised to the need to continue to provide club and community facilities for those members and the region.”

Club Marconi, named after Italian radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, opened in 1958 and is one of Sydney’s most recognisable clubs.

It currently has a membership base of 37,500 people and supports 22 sports associations ranging from soccer, cycling and snooker.

It will provide a community and family friendly venue for residents and provide local jobs and community support. - Club Marconi chief operating officer Tony Zappia

The club supports a range of groups including the Cerebral Palsy Marconi Centre at Wetherill Park and is looking to have a similar impact on the Macarthur region.

“We will contribute to the community with financial assistance via club grants to local community bodies, schools and sporting associations. It will provide a community and family friendly venue for residents and provide local jobs and community support,” Mr Zappia said.

Residents can provide feedback on 0412 158 314 or marconinarellan@outlock.com.